International students focus on election

ORLANDO, Fla.-- Members of Valencia's West campus international student association offered some insight into their feeling's about the presidential election Thursday, at the final meeting before the historic election takes place Tuesday Nov.4.

While it is the responsibility of U.S. citizens to elect a new president, the choice made will ultimately impact those who have legally entered the USA. In order to study in the USA, prospective students must obtain an F-1 visa, which allows them to remain in the country legally for the duration of their studies. Valencia's international student community therefore have been watching the elections closely, as a new president could mean potential changes to the immigration process.

Hardeley Butler has been a student at Valencia for just over ten motnhs, after moving to the U.S. from the Bahamas. Butler currently serves as president of Valencia's West campus international student club, and said that he has been closely focused on the presidential race. Butler explained, "I think there could be an effect on international students with a new president, because there might be changes to immigration laws." He later said, "I honestly don't know what will happen, but I hope there are no changes to policy which may be negative for international students."

Vice president of the international student association, Casthra Demosthene, moved to the U.S. from Haiti as a young child. Demosthene however holds U.S. citizenship, and will be voting in Tuesday's election. "After 9/11, immigration laws were tightened so it became more difficult for students from other countries to come here," she said. "I hope that could change with a new president because international students bring great diversity to the college," Demonsthene went on to say.

According to the Open Doors report, a survey that reports on enrollment trends for international students at U.S. college and universities, the number of international students in the country has been steadily increasing after sharp declines following Sept. 11 2001. It is estimated that international students contribute some $14.5 billion dollars to the U.S. economy through tuition and living expenses.

Allan E. Goodman, president and CEO of the Institute of International Education said in a 2007 press statement that, "America needs to continue it's proactive steps to insure that our academic doors remain wide open, and that students around the world understand that they will be warmly welcomed."

Valencia student Alia Malik, who came to the U.S. 11 months ago from London, says she has been very interested in the presidential election, "I'm not really into politics and all but I think Obama is a great candidate for the presidency." She added, "Of course I think it will effect me, maybe there will be better opportunities for students like me."

Whatever happens Nov.4, Valencia's international community will certainly be watching very closely. Hopefully the U.S. will continue to welcome these students and allow the diversity they bring to many colleges to continue.